With an intense scent, the bush basil reveals to us how much aroma it has inside. Every shoot and every leaf of this plant is therefore valuable. Cutting must be viewed from two perspectives: What is conducive to the he althy growth of the plant? And how do we cut something for the cooking pot?
How do I cut bush basil correctly?
Cutting bush basil promotes the he althy growth of the plant and enables a plentiful harvest. From April to September, regularly cut shoots to 5 cm, remove flowers in the bud stage and always harvest whole branches.
Need and benefit of cutting measures
The bush basil is not hardy, but if it is properly overwintered, it is also perennial in our latitudes. Shrub basil can still survive this long life without pruning.
However, if we use the scissors carefully, the action will benefit us. From April to September, all shoots are regularly shortened to around 5 cm in order to then branch out further. This creates a wide, bushy crown from which we can harvest plenty, because bush basil is edible. But it also becomes more attractive as an ornamental plant.
Tip
Non-woody shoot tips, without flower heads, make good cuttings with which you can easily propagate bush basil.
Radical cut on woody specimens
In addition to the regular trimming of the shoots, radical pruning may also be necessary if the plant is heavily woody. The rejuvenation treatment with the scissors attracts fresh growth. Cramped winter quarters can also require more vigorous pruning.
Removing flowers
The leaves of the bush basil are edible, this is widely known. Very few amateur cooks know that the flowers are also edible. But their bitter taste is not for everyone, which is why the leaves are primarily used for cooking.
If you are not cultivating shrub basil as an ornamental plant, you should cut off the flowers, preferably in the bud stage. If they remain standing, fewer leaves will sprout, which is what ultimately matters to us.
Harvest correctly
Harvest time is always when the bush basil offers usable shoots and the sun suits us for this herb. Don't pick off a few leaves at random. Defoliated shoots remain weak and do not always recover. Instead, cut like this:
- always only use/separate whole branches
- there should be at least one pair of eyes standing
- cut with knife or scissors, do not tear off
- ideal interface is 1-2 mm above a pair of leaves
Tip
When cutting, always use sharpened tools that have been previously cleaned or disinfected.
